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Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

7 Days

Journey to the Heart of the Himalayas: Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

Gaumukh Tapovan is one of the most rewarding treks you will ever experience.

On the Gaumukh Tapovan trek, you will witness the majestic views of Mt Shivling. You get to see Mt Shivling from its base to its summit. If you haven’t heard of Mt Shivling, it’s one of the most stunning mountains in India, often featured in our gold calendar every year.

But it doesn’t stop there. You will also see the Bhagirathi sisters in their full glory. Sometimes, we feel the Bhagirathi sisters are even grander than Mt Shivling because their three peaks dominate the landscape.

So, why don’t more people do this trek?

Sadly, the fame of other treks has overshadowed the Gaumukh Tapovan trek. It’s like a new movie star replacing an older one. Treks like Roopkund, Rupin Pass, and Hampta Pass have become more popular, causing the Gaumukh Tapovan trek to lose its former glory.

Many trekkers, attracted by newer treks, rush to the new offerings, which is a mistake.

Before we start, here are some quick facts about the Gaumukh Tapovan trek:

The Gaumukh Trek is a 46 km trek over 6 days (8 days including the drive to and from the trek) in the Greater Himalayas. It is located in Uttarakhand and starts and ends at the pilgrim town of Gangotri.

The trail winds through the Greater Himalayas within Gangotri National Park. It is a moderate to difficult trek (more on this ahead), but beginners can attempt it with good preparation.

How to Reach

You need to arrive in Dehradun by 6:00 am. Once you reach Dehradun, Raithal Hills Trek experts will take care of the rest of your travel arrangements if you choose their pick-up service during booking.

Options to reach Dehradun:

  1. Overnight Train:
  2. Bus to Dehradun, then cab to the pick-up point (Railway station):
  • Delhi to Dehradun – 250 km | 6 hr.
  • Chandigarh to Dehradun – 220 km | 5 hr.

The distance from the Dehradun Bus Stand (ISBT) to the Railway Station is 6 km, which takes about 15 minutes without traffic.

We recommend using government buses over private ones due to reliability. Ensure you reach Dehradun by 5:30 am.

  1. Flight to Dehradun Airport (Jolly Grant Airport) (25 km, 50 min): If traveling by flight, arrive one day early.

The designated drop-off point is Dehradun Railway Station. Arrive at the station between 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Plan subsequent travel after 9:00 pm.

  • Distance from Railway Station to Dehradun Bus Stand (ISBT) is 6 km (approx 25 minutes).
  • Distance from Railway Station to Dehradun Airport is 28 km (approx 45 minutes to 1 hour).

It’s advisable to have a buffer day in your travel plan. If not needed, you can explore Dehradun, Mussoorie, or Rishikesh.

If you prefer travelling independently to the base camp and not using Raithal Hills Trek’s pick-up service, you can take a government bus or book a private cab from Rishikesh. Your trek coordinator will guide you on bus or cab bookings.

Raithal Hills Trek offers comfortable transportation through Tempo Traveler, Bolero, or equivalent vehicles. For upgrades, contact your trek coordinator for assistance.

Customized Itinerary

DAY 1: REACH GANGOTRI FROM DEHRADUN

Prepare for a picturesque journey of 10-12 hours from Dehradun before reaching your hotel. Upon arrival, you can easily check in and unwind. Indulge in a scrumptious dinner and have a restful overnight stay.

DAY 2: GANGOTRI TO CHIRBASA

Start your journey from Gangotri at 10,055 ft and head towards Chirbasa at 11,761 ft. The trek will take around 6 hours to cover 9 km. You can stay overnight at Chirbasa based on the team’s walking ability.

DAY 3: CHIRBASA TO BHOJBASA

Begin your trek after breakfast, following the river Bhagirathi on the right bank. The journey from Chirbasa (11,761 ft) to Bhojbasa (12,450 ft) will take approximately 3 hours and cover a distance of 5 km. The trail offers a gradual ascent, allowing you to enjoy the scenic beauty along the way. Once you reach Bhojbasa, you’ll be treated to a magnificent view of the Bhagirathi group of peaks. Set up camp upon arrival and prepare for an overnight stay.

DAY 4: BHOJBASA TO TAPOVAN

Embark on a thrilling trek from Bhojbasa (12,450 ft) to Tapovan (14,202 ft) after a delicious breakfast. This scenic route will take you through Gaumukh, the sacred source of the mighty Ganges River. As you make your way, you’ll conquer the Gangotri glacier, crossing from the right to the left bank before ascending the lateral moraine that leads to Tapovan. This picturesque location serves as a vast high-altitude meadow and serves as a base camp for those looking to climb Mt Shivling and Mt Meru. Once you reach Tapovan, set up camp and enjoy an overnight stay surrounded by breathtaking views.

DAY 5: TAPOVAN TO BHOJBASA

You can trek from Tapovan (14,202 ft) to Bhojbasa (12,450 ft) in about 5 hours covering a distance of 9 km. You can spend the night at Bhojbasa.

DAY 6: BHOJBASA TO GANGOTRI

The trek covers a distance of 14 kilometers and takes approximately 8 hours to complete, with a challenging descent over a bouldery section.

DAY 7: GANGOTRI TO DEHRADUN

The price for the cab per vehicle is Rs 9,000 for a 5-6 seater and Rs 15,000 for a 10-12 seater. Please note that this is a Non-AC vehicle.

Highlights

  • Stunning views of Mt Shivling from base to summit.
  • Panoramic vistas of the Bhagirathi sisters.
  • Trek through Gangotri National Park.
  • Visit the Gaumukh Glacier, source of the Ganga.
  • Explore the serene meadows of Tapovan.
  • Start from the spiritual town of Gangotri.
  • Scenic campsites at Chirbasa and Bhojbasa.
  • Challenge yourself with high-altitude trekking.
  • Exciting river crossings on the trek.
  • Spot unique wildlife in the Himalayas.

Standard Route from Dehradun to Gaumukh Tapovan

Upon reaching Dehradun, you can embark on a scenic drive that takes approximately 10-12 hours. Once you arrive at your destination, you will be warmly welcomed and checked into a comfortable hotel. Enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the night in the cozy surroundings of the hotel.

Bhojbasa is situated at an altitude of 12,450 ft, with the Bhagirathi on the right bank. The trek involves a gentle incline for the majority of the journey. Once at Bhojbasa, you will be treated to a breathtaking view of the Bhagirathi group of peaks. Upon reaching, pitch your camp for an overnight stay.

Start your trek to Tapovan from Bhojbasa, which is located at an altitude of 12,450 ft. The journey will take approximately 6 hours and cover a distance of 9 km. After having breakfast in the morning, make your way towards Gaumukh, the sacred source of the river Ganges. From there, you will need to climb over the Gangotri glacier and cross it from the right to the left bank. Once you have completed this, climb over the lateral moraine until you reach Tapovan, which sits at an altitude of 14,202 ft. Tapovan is a beautiful high-altitude meadow and serves as the base camp for climbing Mt. Shivling and Mt. Meru. Upon reaching Tapovan, set up your camp and enjoy an overnight stay amidst the stunning surroundings.

You can trek from Tapovan (14,202 ft) to Bhojbasa (12,450 ft) in just 5 hours, covering a distance of 9 km. After the trek, you can enjoy an overnight stay at Bhojbasa.

Enjoy a return trek from Bhojbasa to Gangotri and experience the beauty of the trail. After a day of adventure, unwind with an overnight stay at Gangotri.

Make sure to plan your next travel arrangements after driving back from Gangotri to Dehradun.

Cost

The Cost Includes

  • Pick-up or drop-off service from and to the airport (using our own vehicle)
  • Reliable transportation to and from trek locations
  • Meals throughout the trip (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a cup of coffee or tea)
  • Comfortable accommodations in hotels with a family-friendly environment
  • Transportation, food, accommodation, and insurance for the guide
  • Down jacket, all-season sleeping bag, duffel bag, and trekking map provided (to be returned after the trip)
  • First Aid Medical Kit (carried by the guide, recommended to bring your own)
  • All required permits and paperwork included

The Cost Excludes

  • International Airfare
  • Visa Charges
  • Your travel and medical insurance
  • Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits etc
  • Services not mentioned or not promised by the agent/agency
  • Emergency expenses such as expenses on chartered helicopter.

FAQs

What is the best time to do the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek?

The best time to trek is from May to June and September to October, avoiding the monsoon season.

How difficult is the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek?

It is a moderate to difficult trek, suitable for experienced trekkers and fit beginners with proper preparation.

What is the total distance of the trek?

The total trekking distance is approximately 46 km, spread over 6 days.

What kind of accommodation is provided during the trek?

Accommodation is provided in tents at campsites along the trek, and in hotels with a family-friendly environment in Gangotri.

Are permits required for the trek?

  • Yes, permits are required, and all necessary paperwork will be arranged by the trekking organizers.

Is it safe to drink water from streams during the trek?

It’s recommended to carry purification tablets or a portable water filter, as water from streams should be treated before consumption.

What kind of physical fitness is required for the trek?

Trekkers should be in good physical condition, able to walk long distances, and comfortable with high-altitude trekking.

Will there be mobile network connectivity during the trek?

Mobile network connectivity is limited and unreliable during the trek, especially after leaving Gangotri.

What kind of food will be provided during the trek?

Nutritious and balanced meals will be provided, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and hot beverages like coffee or tea.

Tour Map

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Gaumukh Tapovan Trek